Interaction between population density and fertilization for robusta coffee in Isidro Ayora, Guayas

The objective of the research was to establish the influence of population density in robusta coffee in relation to chemical and organic fertilization, conducted in the locality of Isidro Ayora, Guayas Province, characterized by a tropical very dry forest life zone over a period of 48 months. The study evaluated the factors of population density (1,333; 1,666; 2,222, and 2,500 plants per hectare) and fertilization plan (chemical and organic) in robusta coffee. The experiment was set up using a Randomized Complete Block Design in a 4 x 2 factorial arrangement (densities x fertilization plan), in a Split-Plot layout, with 8 replications. The results defined that a density of 1,666 plants per hectare, combined with adequate chemical fertilization, proved to be the most efficient factors in terms of robusta coffee production, considering both agronomic and health variables. It is also indicated that the study recommends that higher densities require a more rigorous resource management and more intensive agronomic management in areas similar to the study site.